Remote Inspections - The Future is Here
A Panel Discussion on the new ICC Guide, NFPA 915 Standard and Texas AHJ Perspectives
Joint Meeting of TFPA, the NFSA Texas Chapter and the Texas Fire Alarm Association
Location Details:
Online meeting - participation details will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.
Program: The pandemic has increased interest in remotely viewed virtual inspections. The number of jurisdictions permitting virtual versus in-person inspections is increasing, and it is expected that use of virtual inspections will continue long after the pandemic ends because they can significantly increase efficiency by reducing time lost in travel and traffic delays. Nevertheless, there are many considerations and possible pitfalls, and ICC and NFPA have been leading the way in developing guidance for code enforcers, architects, engineers and contractors in this evolving technique.
ICC has published a new Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections, and in April 2019, NFPA appointed a new technical committee to develop a new Standard on Remote Inspections, NFPA 915. The NFPA 915 technical committee has already held several meetings to create a first draft.
Our presentation will include a review of the new ICC recommended practice and an overview/status update on the status of the new NFPA 915 standard. Discussion topics will include remote inspection methodologies, the types of systems and components proposed to be used, file formats, record collection, and record retention requirements.
In addition, AHJs from the cities of San Antonio and Austin will talk about their current and possible future remote inspection programs. San Antonio has already deployed a "Remote Video Inspection Program" that provides an alternative and efficient method to ensure that permitted work complies with the City’s building-related safety codes, which has been particularly is allowing city staff and customers to maintain social distancing while performing essential services during the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition, San Antonio is currently piloting an “on demand” inspection program for mechanical contractors, allowing such contractors to call an inspector on call as soon as they complete an installation. The goal is to provide the most effective and efficient service possible by eliminating the need to pre-schedule some inspections and reducing the number of expired open mechanical permits.
The City of Austin has been studying implementation of remote inspection options and will report on their findings and possible future program.
Presenters:
Terry Victor, Senior Manager of Industry Relations, JCI/Grinnell Fire Protection Solutions. Mr. Victor has over 47 years of technical experience in the fire sprinkler industry. He is NICET certified Level IV in Water Based Systems Layout and Special Hazards Systems Layout. Mr. Victor serves on many industry boards and committees including the CFSI National Advisory Committee, the NFFF Advisory Committee to the Board, the NFSA Board of Directors, and is the current chairman of the NFSA ITM Committee. He is a member of NFPA technical committees for NFPA 3, 4, 11, 13, 13D, 13R, 14, 15, 20, 25, 72, 101, 214, 303, 915, and 5000. In 2015, Mr. Victor received the NFPA Committee Service Award, and in 2017 he received the NFSA Russell P. Fleming Technical Service Award.
Karl Fippinger, CEM, PMP, Vice President of Government Relations for Fire and Disaster Mitigation, International Code Council. Karl Fippinger, is a 30-year veteran of the fire and emergency services having served as an Assistant Fire Chief with the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department in Prince William County, VA as well as an adjunct fire and rescue instructor for the Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department. Karl is also a Certified Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers and has more than 25 years of public and private sector experience in federal, state, and local disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Amin Tohmaz, PE, CBO, Deputy Development Services Director, City of San Antonio. Mr. Tohmaz leads the Field Services Division and serves as the Deputy Building/Code Official for the City. He is responsible for assisting planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities of the department’s Building Inspections and Code Enforcement sections. Mr. Tohmaz has over 20 years of experience in the engineering and management fields. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Damascus and a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas in both Fire Protection and Electrical Engineering and holds multiple International Code Council national certifications.
City of Austin. Vicky Pridgen, Neighborhood Liaison, Austin Code Department, City of Austin. Ms. Pridgen has over a decade of experience facilitating communications and community engagement for various organizations and received a certificate in interaction design from the Austin Center for Design in 2019. Ms. Pridgen currently serves as a neighborhood liaison for the Austin Code Department and recently completed an in-depth discovery research project in collaboration with the Communications and Technology Management department to inform the recommended technology for a virtual inspections pilot program.
GET YOUR CEUs: Participants in this program will receive ICC Preferred Provider and TCFP CEU credits.
Schedule:
11:00 - 11:15 a.m. - Business meeting
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Presentation
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Tuesday, September 15th at 10:00 a.m.